How to participate?

There are a vast number of ways in which you can celebrate the European Day of Languages depending on the time and means you have available.

These go from the simple (such as organising a film evening showing movies in different languages, or a language café serving specialities from a range of countries), to the more resource intensive (such as large scale media events). The Calendar of events lists all activities which have been published on the EDL website since 2002 and offers a rich source of ideas. A cross-section is also available on the aptly named 'Get inspired' page!

Whether large or small, the principle is simple:

  1. have a good idea (an event such as a party, a tournament, a dinner)
  2. organise it, promote it
  3. enter the event into our database, and
  4. make it happen!

Organisation of the European Day of Languages
The Council of Europe does not issue directives (or financial support) for the organisation of activities. Member states and potential partners are given a free hand to organise activities as they wish, with a view to ensuring maximum flexibility in implementing the Day.

National Relays
In the majority of countries, a person takes on the role of 'relay' between event organisers and the Council of Europe on a voluntary basis. This also involves disseminating information and promotional materials produced by the Council at national, regional and local levels.   

Role of the Council of Europe
The Council of Europe initiated the Day and each year sends out posters, stickers and other promotional materials illustrating the diversity of languages in Europe. The materials are distributed on a centralised basis to National relays  who are responsible for their distribution nationally, in particular to meet the needs of EDL event organisers.